I guess I should be more clear. I know there are some crashed ones and that will break anything. I'm talking about the kind of breakage that comes from bottoming out the suspension. hammering the drivetrain, and so on.Not that I expect these to hold up like a dirt bike but how "tough" it will turn out to be.I'm not gonna be the first to rail accross the desert but would like to see thelong term results if someone els does.

Can't remember the name (but Google is your friend) an Eyetalian guy did a world trip by way of deserts, mountains and mud on MT1200, Try motoblog.it(English version) or Ducati web site for a search.

__________________
Treat others as you would your loved ones and respect your loved ones as you would others.

I have the Barkbusters around my stock, brittle, junk. Totally worth it. OZ Tim on the Duc.ms board had a good thread on attaching the stockers to the barkbusters for protection and keeping the signal lights.

The suspension is very nice on these bike, I am very impressed. I also book marked the rim repair places Sock mentioned, just in case. :(.

I am trying to run about 20% dirt, to 80% pavement. Boreas pass today.

I have the Barkbusters around my stock, brittle, junk. Totally worth it. OZ Tim on the Duc.ms board had a good thread on attaching the stockers to the barkbusters for protection and keeping the signal lights.

Um, where was that? I just did exactly that and I might as well see how badly I screwed it up...

I have about 11,000 miles on my '10 MTS 1200. The only broken thing I've had from riding offroad is that one of the bolts holding the stock license plate fell off. It vibrated off due to about a 60 mile gravel road with real washboard.

It's no dirtbike, the 17 in front tire is too jittery, but fully capable if one chooses and is aware of the consequences, $$$$. My biggest problem with it offroad not on pavement is the DTC cutting in too much.

I agree wonderfull bike, but the potential repair bill keeps me from pushingthe bike to any where nears it's potential, there's a reason I still have chicken strips, I don't want to face a multi thousand$ repair bill even if its a minor drop.

I have about 11,000 miles on my '10 MTS 1200. The only broken thing I've had from riding offroad is that one of the bolts holding the stock license plate fell off. It vibrated off due to about a 60 mile gravel road with real washboard.

It's no dirtbike, the 17 in front tire is too jittery, but fully capable if one chooses and is aware of the consequences, $$$$. My biggest problem with it offroad not on pavement is the DTC cutting in too much.

I agree wonderfull bike, but the potential repair bill keeps me from pushingthe bike to any where nears it's potential, there's a reason I still have chicken strips, I don't want to face a multi thousand$ repair bill even if its a minor drop.

Doesn't sound like much fun riding a bike around with all that running through your head. I like ripping around fire roads and trails on my DR650 because I never worry about dropping it, and it's been dropped quite a few times. I'm afraid I would probably be more like Dr Greg and try using the bike to it's potential, which would far outweigh my skill and then as you say, end up with a large $$$$ repair bill. For me that's just the price of admission though, to me there's no point riding around scared I might break something.

Doesn't sound like much fun riding a bike around with all that running through your head.

Perhaps I wasn't very clear. I'm only really concerned with dropping in the dirt. On the pavement it isn't so much of a worry, and doesn't keep me from opening it up. I just don't ride like a jackass with it.
I have a track bike so I can pretend to ne a fat collin rewards or ben spies.
For some reason the layout of the bike really allows you to hang off. It is very easy to get your but off the seat head and chest moved over and further ahead all of which keep the bike more upright.

Perhaps I wasn't very clear. I'm only really concerned with dropping in the dirt. On the pavement it isn't so much of a worry, and doesn't keep me from opening it up. I just don't ride like a jackass with it.
I have a track bike so I can pretend to ne a fat collin rewards or ben spies.
For some reason the layout of the bike really allows you to hang off. It is very easy to get your but off the seat head and chest moved over and further ahead all of which keep the bike more upright.

Everything mounted up OK with a bit of messing about but...the turn signals do not like the Zeta LED's. They flash once and stop working ( the rear units continue to flash as usual). Tried several combinations but can only get the stockers to work. Any thoughts as to a fix?

Quote:

Originally Posted by wilmar13

Use Zeta handguards with integrated LED turn signals... will look good and dirt cheap. I had them on my Ducati Hypermotard to replace the fragile stockers. Weighed less, looked better, and much stronger than the stock Ducati plastic garbage.They will withstand a fall too. http://www.zeta-racing.com/handguard...her/index.html

Everything mounted up OK with a bit of messing about but...the turn signals do not like the Zeta LED's. They flash once and stop working ( the rear units continue to flash as usual). Tried several combinations but can only get the stockers to work. Any thoughts as to a fix?

Yes good point... didn't know stock MTS are not LED's. You need to change your flash relay to an electronic one if it is a mechanical shunt type. You can get them at any auto parts store for like $6. Just find your stock relay and swap it out. I don't have a MTS so I can't help with specifics.

I rode a white 2010 demo yesterday at my local dealer, and absolutely loved it. I currently have an 06 Tiger and will never part with it, so my concern with buying a Ducati is one of longevity. I've never owned one, so I'm not real sure of reliability and all the quirks that go with any model. Will it leave me stranded on a long trip? I've looked through this thread and have started my research quest. So, if anyone out there has been a Ducati loyalist and has advice, I'm listening. Is there anything to be wary of when purchasing a 1200 Multi? My dealer has a white 2010 on the floor for $14995, is this pretty consistent with a new multi price?
Thanks for any information, let the process begin!